Derby County Reject Third Bid For Ireland International Jeff Hendrick

Jeff Hendrick’s chances of playing in the Premier League nest season have taken a serious hit.

News broke earlier that Burnley were back in for the midfielder, raising their offer to £7m. However, according to the Derby Telegraph, the Rams have flatly rejected the bid.

Burnley, having already seen offers of £3m and £5,5m rejected by the Championship club, signalled their determination to land the 24-year-old by offering what would have been a club-record fee for a player.

Nonetheless, new Derby manager Nigel Pearson had made it clear that he wants to keep hold of Hendrick.

Hendrick was in and out of the side last season as Derby chased promotion, but by turning down such high bids Pearson is surely planning on using him far more than Paul Clement and Darren Wassall did in the last campaign.

In all, he has played in over 200 matches for the Pride Park side since making his debut in 2011.

The Irish international’s stock has risen immeasurably after a star showing with Martin O’Neill’s side at Euro 2016. He started all four of Ireland’s games in France, where his performances led to interest from clubs both in England and further afield.

Along with fellow Irish internationals Cyrus Christie and Richard Keogh, Hendrick returned to training earlier this week.

It remains to be seen whether or not Burnley return to the table with a fourth offer – but, for now at least, Hendrick remains a Derby County player.